Honorary Life Membership

Honorary Life Membership is the highest recognition given by RSPCA Victoria. Awarded by our Board of Directors, Honorary Life Membership acknowledges those individuals who have made a significant contribution to RSPCA Victoria and animal welfare.

Honorary Life Membership was awarded for the first time in 2008, according to new eligibility guidelines and criteria. This new policy extended the criteria to ensure that people who previously may not have been considered for nomination, were eligible.

2017 nominations are now closed. Nominations will re-open in June 2018.

Nominations open between June and July of each year for Honorary Life Membership and are accepted online. We welcome the community to nominate an animal welfare leader who may be eligible. For more information including eligibility criteria, view our nomination policy.

At our 2017 Annual General Meeting on 25 October 2017, Honorary Life Membership was awarded to:

Bronwyn Hughes

Bronwyn has been a lifelong supporter of RSPCA Victoria joining the RSPCA Auxiliary around 1980, and held the roles of Secretary and then President. The Auxiliary was responsible for opening and resourcing our first op shop in 1980, and advocating for, and then opening and operating the Animal Adoption Centre in the early 80’s. This undertaking helped turn the Rescue Centre into a financially viable venture and the public relations value was immeasurable.

Bronwyn has continued her support of ending animal cruelty through her role as a current RSPCA Victoria board member, inaugural Champion Circle member (formally St Martins Club) and valued donor.

In Bronwyn’s roles as Deputy Chair of the Board and Chair of the Animal Welfare Policy Committee, she has constantly championed for the rights of animals as well as bringing a grass roots and community perspective to the issues facing the organisation. She is also the Board’s nominated representative to the Animal Welfare Foundation of Australia Trust.

Richard and Elaine Stradwick

Richard and Elaine have been dedicated supporters and members of the RSPCA for nearly 30 years. In 1997 they joined the St Martins Club (now Champion Circle) to expand their involvement in helping end cruelty to all animals.

They have contributed generous funds in response to our most needed appeals. These financial contributions have helped to directly fund our most urgent day to day services including food, toys and shelter for homeless animals and the daily work of our Inspectorate. When we ask for help, they are always quick to respond.